Based on the work of Myers-Briggs (Isabel Briggs Myers and Katherine Briggs) and on the personality classifications formulated by Carl Jung, personality style profiles (PSP) help us understand how our personality type affects the way we approach situations and how we may respond or behave and interact with others.

There are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ profiles, it is completely non-judgmental, but understanding how personalities are simply ‘different’ to our own, rather than inconsiderate or wrong, can help us to work together.

The Strategist

The INTJ works by ideas, concepts and regimental planning. Primarily, their minds focus inwardly, gathering information and generating ideas and proposals by intuition and careful analysis. Their judgmental, extrovert way of thinking means they deal with things in a logical and rational way.

INTJs are typically very competent at what they do and are quick to grasp new ideas. Their highly organised minds are driven towards taking action and achieving closure in a constructive way, rather than understanding the idea in minute detail. However, INTJs with poorly developed sensing skills tend to ignore the crucial little facts, which are necessary to bring their ideas to fruition.

The brilliant scientist who struggles to be understood

An INTJ values knowledge, competence and intelligence above all else, and constantly strives to match his or her own high ideals. To a lesser extent, they expect to see this in others and can be overly judgmental. However, their intellect, high standards and systematic approach to life makes them ideal in scientific or engineering roles. In the business sector, they shine in jobs that require strategy and planning.

The way in which INTJs arrange their minds is highly personalised and non-linear, and it can be difficult for them to express their views and proposals in a way other colleagues will understand. Rather than attempt a direct ‘transmission’, they often look for ways to put their thoughts into a more accessible and explainable format. They respect knowledge and intellect and, if someone seems keen to learn, they will go to great lengths to ensure their ideas are understandable. However, INTJs with poorly developed communication skills often find themselves being misunderstand, which can lead to them becoming bad-tempered or isolated from the team.

INTJs with a highly evolved sense of intuition often believe that what they say must be right, which can also cause friction if it is exacerbated by a failure to communicate. This type of INTJ does not, however, look to their own short-comings for answers, but tends to blame the listener instead. He or she can become dismissive of other people’s input and get a reputation for being autocratic and elitist.

Objective leadership

A self-confident master of strategic planning, the INTJ is a born leader. A long-range, adaptable thinker, he or she can see the reality of every situation. Their intuition picks up on things that need changing, and they objectively compare current strategies and concepts against possible alternatives, changing things as necessary.

Although ambitious, the INTJ is not the kind of person to aggressively fight their way to the top, being generally content to stay out of the spotlight unless there’s a real need for them to take over a leadership role. One thing that can hold them back is their reserved emotions; they do not easily give praise and support, and can be seen as aloof and unapproachable.

A reserved, well-organised mind

An inward-thinking decision maker who is constantly arranging ideas into a rational and structured system, the INTJ despairs of untidiness and inefficiency and can quickly bring order to a disorganised workplace. However, they can react to stress badly, reverting to obsessive or repetitive behaviour, perhaps becoming preoccupied with tiny, unimportant details.

A common misconception of INTJs is that they are stubborn and inflexible to change. In fact, they are the polar opposite, being totally adaptable and open to new ideas. Overall, they can be a great asset to the workplace, constantly driven to turn their ideas into action. With the important ability to see the bigger picture, they can achieve great things if they learn to communicate effectively.